The Nice Port Talbot Council's Digital and Adult Services team has been awarded the National Award for the innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the way adult social care staff interact with residents.
The team received the APSE (Public Services Association Association) 2025 award in the Best Innovation or Demand Management Initiative category at the annual APSE Awards held at Glasgow Marriott Hotel this year.
The award recognizes the Council's transformational approach to using AI tools in supporting social workers' daily tasks, focusing on reducing significant time spent on administrative tasks and reducing engagement with back-office teams.
Benefits have been realized by significantly reducing the administrative burden of social workers, reducing the time spent writing case notes 7.5 hours a week, and speeding up the submission of 8 hours a week case ratings.
The Council said an innovative approach will allow adult social care staff to provide higher quality assessments in a more timely manner and focus on delivering better quality care rather than being tied to management tasks. Staff can focus on the most important things that build relationships and support individuals, but technology handles everyday document and administrative tasks.
Additionally, staff have improved the quality and accuracy of meeting notes from conversations with residents.
Cllr Jo Hale, Cabinet Member of Neath Port Talbot Council, Adult Social Services & Health, said:
“The award is a testament to their team's commitment to embracing innovation. By leveraging AI, we are focused on not only improving efficiency, but also improving quality of care, releasing staff and supporting residents.”
Cllr Simon Knoyle, Cabinet member for finance, performance and social justice at Nice Port Talbot Council, said:
“We want to congratulate our hardworking digital and adult services teams on being a good example of the use of emerging technologies to improve the lives of our residents.
“We are delighted to see that our innovative approach to serving locals is being recognized by this UK-wide award.”
